Elizabeth “Betty” Virga

Elizabeth Cleary Virga peacefully passed away on March 17th, 2014 at the age of 90. Betty was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on October 25, 1923, to Michael and Bridget Cleary. A graduate of Yonkers General School of Nursing, she shared her healing skills, positive demeanor and contagious smile with all who came to know her. She enlisted in the Navy and served her country during World War II. She reached the rank of Ensign while working at St. Alban’s Hospital in Queens, NY. It was here she met the love of her life Gandy Virga; they married on April 13, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Their incredible love story played out as they planted roots in New York City, Yonkers, Scarsdale, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and finally, Rhinebeck, New York. Throughout those years, Betty proudly raised their 4 children Mary, Charlie, Michael and Dennis with strong, Catholic values and a sense of their Irish/Italian heritage. Betty’s boundless, maternal instincts brought her more joy upon the arrival of her 6 grandchildren; they are Joseph(wife Kim)Virga, Danielle Virga, Robyn(husband Kamar)Tasman-Clifton, Robert(wife Katie)Tasman, Heather(husband Jerry)Virga-Crowley, and Michael Virga. Betty and Gandy’s legacy continued through their 11 great-grandchildren. They include Dejonelle Buckley, Jevon Johnson, Alyssa Virga, Joseph Virga, Cameron Crowley, Hudson Crowley, Olivia Crowley, Mack Tasman, Kevin Tasman, Joseph Tasman and Samuel Tasman. Ever the optimistic matriarch, Betty loved and taught her family through stories, culture, humor and unconditional love. In her own words, “We are not here merely to exist. Life is meant to live to the fullest…throw open the doors and experience everything around you”. In retirement, Betty and Gandy found new adventures in places and people. At their beloved home in “The Woods”, they were active on the community’s Board of Directors and hosted many dinner parties to bring friends and family together. Betty’s gift for “happy talk” at these gatherings was sure to include her strong beliefs in God, country/Veteran affairs, family and an Irish joke or two…. Additionally, Betty took on a new career as an agent in her son Michael’s business Virga’s Travel. Here, she charmed clients with her wit and stories of her travels from Hawaii to Europe. In addition to the family named above, Betty leaves behind her daughters-in-law Kathleen Virga and Donna Virga, son-in-law Bob Tasman, a nephew, and several nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Gandolfo, sister Mary, brother Michael and sons Michael and Dennis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at 12:30pm. The location is Church of the Presentation, 271 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458. In keeping with her wishes, cremation will follow at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to honor this “Gentle Woman” may be made to Life Source Hospice, 230 East Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 307, Paramus, New Jersey 07652 or Church of the Presentation(address above).